Endangered birds are to be respected and awed. Despite all sorts of issues stacked against them, these creatures somehow manage to keep themselves alive and producing the next generation. While some species become endangered naturally, humans often unintentionally contribute to the demise of many birds. By giving them endangered status and protecting them, we can help many threatened species to survive and perhaps even thrive one day.
Many beautiful bird species call the Pacific Northwest home, but that could change in the coming years. While some of the region’s feathered friends are growing in number each year, others have a declining population. Threatened and struggling to survive, these five endangered birds may only live in our photographs and memories if nothing is done to preserve their homes.
1. Bald Eagle
The bald eagle may be making a comeback, but it’s not out of the woods yet. A national symbol of courage and freedom, the species is still considered threatened in some areas and endangered in others. Bald eagles are recognizable by their brown or dark gray bodies, white heads and yellow bills. Due to poisoning and loss of habitat, however, sightings of these endangered birds aren’t as common as they once were.
2. Canadian Goose
Seen in the spring and fall, Canadian geese are a sign of the changing seasons. Migrating each year, they’re a welcome sight to many. The Aleutian Canada goose, however, was deemed endangered by the United States in 1967 because of the introduction of Arctic foxes in the 1930s. It’s still endangered in the Pacific Northwest.
3. Northern Spotted Owl
While owls can sometimes be hard to spot, northern spotted owls are especially rare. A gray, medium-sized species, the northern spotted owl was listed as endangered in March of 1993 due to loss of habitat from logging.
4. California Least Tern
A small, gray and white seabird with a black head, the California least tern lost three-fourths of its population to the fox population. Between becoming a popular menu item and dealing with habitat loss and pollution, it’s a wonder that these endangered birds are still around.
5. Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is a unique bird and is one of the two only pelican species living in the United States. Human disturbance of their habitat and increased pesticide use have endangered its survival since the 1970s.
Featured Image from Thomas Dewey/Unsplash
